Apparatus for cutting and binding knitting yarns and method



, 'July 7, |959 u 5. J. HADDAD 2,893,229

`APPARATUS FOR CUTTING AND BINDING KNITTING YARNSAND METHOD Filedreb. 28, A1958 5 Sheets-Sheet l 64o i '4b @mmm zo @8% w' 15T l.. I 15 ATTORNEYS July 7, 1959 s. J. HADDAD 2,893,229

APPARATUS FOR CUTTING AND BINDING KNITTING YARNS AND METHOD Filed Feb. 28, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet l sa July 7, |959 s. J. HADDAD 2,893,229

APPARATUS-FOR CUTTING AND BINDING KNITTING YARNS AND METHOD Filed Feb. 28, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Hook 155 h INVENT OR.

ALOnAo IMAVDAV BY nrm, w.. )Sami-LW OscluATE GATHERm RAxsEe' BOTTOM CLAMP LowaERs BoTToM CLAMP ATTORNEYS S. J. HADDAD July 71,1959

APPARATUS FOR CUTTING AND BINDING KNITTING YARNS AND METHOD Filed Feb. 2s, 1958 5 sheets-smeet 4 z ZZ INVENTOR: ALoMAo I. HAwAv BY ax-,MMI 9W ATTORNEYS s. J. HADDAD July 7,` 1959 APPARATUS FOR CUTTING AND BINDING KNITTING YARNS AND METHOD Filed Feb. 28, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 III/IIIA ALoMAo I. HAuvAv *4 AITORYS United States Patent 2,893,229 Patented July 7, 1959 thee vPPARA'IUS FOR CUTTING AND BINDING KNITTING YARNS AND METHOD Salomao J. Haddad, Charlotte, N.C., assigner, by mesne assignments, tov Southern Mill Equipment Corporation, Charlotte, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Application February 28, 1958, Serial No. 718,371

19 Claims. (Cl. 66-145) This invention relates to circular independent needle knitting machines of the type commonly known as a solid color pattern knitting machine which knits a number of diiferent colored pattern areas in the same courses in knitting various types of circular fabrics, such as diamond patterned Argyle hose. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a novel method and means for cutting and binding the many different yarns involved in the knitting of fabric of the character disclosed.

There is disclosed, in U.S. Patent No. 2,217,022, a fully automatic machine for knitting fabrics in the manner described. This machine is provided with two yarn feeding stations, each of which is capable of feeding a plurality of different colored or types of yarns during reciprocation of the needle cylinder so that independent solid color pattern areas are formed with sutures between adjacent areas.

Heretofore, it has been necessary to continuously draw from their feeds all of the yarns used to knit the patterned area of a stocking, as well as any other yarns used in the stocking, even when these yarns are not knitting, as in the foot or top of the stocking. It is apparent that this has resulted in the accumulation of a considerable length of unused yarn inside of the stocking which had to -be cut out and thrown away after the knitting operation. The usual types of yarn cutting and binding devices have been inadequate for use with `such machines in view of the fact that it is necessary to support all of the yarns after they are severed so they can be picked up by the needles in the proper sequence, even though all such yarns may not be knit in every course.

The provision of various means for automatically cutting and binding yarns of such machines has been attempted, but such attempts have not been entirely successful, due to the fact that such prio-r devices have not operated satisfactorily, have required repeated adjustments and alterations, have consisted of several sets of cutter elements and have been complicated and expensive to maintain. Also, such prior devices have not been eilicient in every operation thereof to the extent that the clamping devices would not, with certainty, engage all of the yarns of a group, so the yarn or yarns missed by the clamping devices would remain intact between the feeding means and the fabric. This detriment would require that the operator keep each machine under constant surveillance and that he manually cut any yarns that were missed by the clamp and cutter. Since an operator may not detect the presence of all such intact yarns, and such machines are preferably devoid of takeup means for the stockings lbeing knit, such intact yarns will hold the fabric within the cylinder, causing the fabric, in some instances, to clog the cylinder. It is apparent that this would interfere with the proper formation and shedding of stitches by the needles. This condition is particularly aggravated when several successive stockings become lodged in the cylinder.

' It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide a practical and efficient method and apparatus for binding and cutting knitting yarns, which apparatus is so constructed and operated as to eliminate the above defects and in so doing, to reduce the amount of labor which was involved heretofore in lthe manual clipping of yarns connecting successive articles produced on the machine as Well as minimizing the wastage of yarn which has been necessary heretofore in the production of stockings on machines of the character described. This also avoids excessive accumulations of waste yarn beneath the machine. The considerable wastage of yarn involved in knitting on machines of the character described, and which were not equipped with a suitable cutter and binder, has been a knotty problem in the mill.

Another disadvantage `of prior clamping and cutting devices of the character described resides in the fact that, in order to `so position yarns as to facilitate the cutting and clamping thereof, it has been necessary to go into sufcient rotary knitting, following the reciprocatory knitting of patterned areas, to cause the various yarns to form into a rope at the center of the stocking, thus tying the yarns all together so as to position the same for engagement by the clamping and cutting devices. This is not necessary with the present apparatus. Thus, the necessity of providing ring courses in advance of the heel pocket, for example, is obviated with applicants improved clamping and cutting apparatus.

It is apparent that, since the present apparatus avoids the necessity of forming a rope of all the various yarns used in the knitting of the patterned and other areas, this greatly facilitates the everting of the fabric following the knitting, since the operators hand can easily be inserted through the stocking without engaging the rope of yarn. As -a matter of fact, it has been necessary heretofore to unravel the rope or cut part of the yarns away before the fabric could be everted or the eversion of the fabric has been greatly encumbered as compared to the falbric resulting from the use of the present apparatus.

Generally, regardless of the type of yarn from which the fabric or stocking is knit, the operator will thrust his hand into the stocking and stretch and break the yarns in so doing in order to evert the stocking. It follows that, Where the stocking is made from relatively strong yarns, such as nylon or hard twisted yarns, the yarns do not break easily and, accordingly, the yarns exert a tremendous pull on the stitches where they are connected to the fabric. This pulling of the stitches will, in many instances, actually cause the formation of cat eyes or openings in the fabric and may even break one or two stitches resulting in a commercially unusable article or resulting in seconds.

It is therefore another object of this invention to provide a novel and efficient apparatus which is capable of automatically cutting and lbinding the pattern and other yarns immediately following the knitting of the patterned areas or at any time thereafter during the knitting of plain knit portions of the fabric on a knitting machine of the character described.

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the character described for use on twofeed machines which knit patterned areas in a reciprocatory manner, which `apparatus comprises a common cutter and binder for both yarn feeding stations which is operable to release all the previously bound yarns at any time after all such yarns have been fed to the needles, and wherein means are provided which automatically gather all the yarns and position the same in the clamping and cutting apparatus, all in such a manner that rotation of the needle cylinder, with consequent twisting of the pattern yarns together, is unnecessary, although the apparatus may be operated to perform the cutting and binding operations at any time following the knitting of the pattern areas of each successive article.

Itis another object of this invention to provide a method and means of cutting and binding a plurality of yarns on a circular knitting machine of the character described, in which a second or auxiliary cutter and binder is used for cutting and binding a heel or body yarn, in combination with the novel cutter and binder of the present invention. rThe yarn ends extending from the feeding fingers are held by the improved cutter and binder until all the pattern yarns have been fed to needles and, while reciprocatory knitting continues in the knitting of the patterned areas, the latter yarn ends are released from the improved cutter and binder. Upon completion of knitting the patterned area all the pattern yarn feeding ngers are withdrawn from action, and the yarns are then gathered into the improved cutter and binder and thus clamped and cut. While the pattern yarns are being thus clamped and cut, the yarn held by the auxiliary cutter and lbinder is fed to needles for `completing the knitting of the article, whereupon the rauxiliary cutter and binder then receives, binds and cuts the body yarn.

It is a further `object of this invention to provide a novel binding and cutting apparatus so constructed and operated that yarns from several spaced or independent feeding stations are clamped in such a manner that they may be cuty with a single cutting blade.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 isa front elevation of the improved yarn cutting and binding apparatus mounted on a two-feed circular knitting machine, showing the same in yarn clamping and retaining position relative to the latch ring, yarn feeds and needle cylinder and associated elements, some of which are shown in vertical section for purposes of clarity;

Figure 2 is an elevation looking at the right-hand side of the improved apparatus shown in Figure 1 with associated parts of the knitting machine being partially broken away and in cross-section, showing the yarn guiding cup or shield in elevated position with the clamping and cutting elements disposed therebeneath for receiving the yarns;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but looking at the left-hand side of Figure l;

Figure 4 is a somewhat schematic elevation showing the connections between the -main pattern drum and the cables which operate the improved cutting and binding apparatus;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Figure l;

Figures 6 through I10 are schematic views illustrating various cams on the main pattern drum for effecting the proper sequence in operation of the clamping and cutting instrumentalities;

Figure 11 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 11-11 in Figure 1 with the yarn shield in elevated position and showing the clamping elements in open position;

Figure 12 is an enlarged exploded perspective View of the clamping and cutting elements removed from the apparatus;

Figure 13 is an plan view of the lower portion of the apparatus taken substantially along line 13-13 in Figure l, but showing how the yarns are initially guided into the clamping bodies after the clamping bodies have assumed openposition and theshield 126` has been raised;

Figure 14 is a view similar tothe lower portion of Figure 1 showing the relationship of the various elements after reciprocatory knitting has` commenced.

The present yarn cutting and binding apparatus is shown in association with a twoafeed solid color pattern, independent needle, circular knitting machine o-f the type known as a Banner SCP machine and such as is disclosed in said U.S. Patent No. 2,217,022. Although the present apparatus is particularly devised for use with machines of the character described, wherein a plurality of different yarns are fed at the two feeding stations and are knit, `in part, during reciprocation of the needle cylinder, it is to be distinctly understood that the present apparatus may be used with yany type of circular knitting machine, particularly those which may not be equipped with a dial mechanism.

The portion of the knitting machine shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 comprises a needle cylinder 20 having the usual vertical grooves therein in which independent vertically movable needles 21 are positioned, the needle cylinder 20 being driven to, at times, rotate and, at other times, reciprocate, as is well known. The upper portion of the needle cylinder is surrounded by a sinker head 22 having sinkers 23 mounted for radial movement therein, which sinkers are controlled by suitable cams in a conventional sinker cap 24.

The usual latch ring or carrier ring 25 is positioned above the sinker cap 24 and has the usual rearward extension 26 thereon which is pivoted :at 27 to a iixed part of the machine, as is usual. Two yarn feed stations are respectively designated at 30 and 31 and include :groups of independent yarn feed ngers 32, 33 which work above respective throat plates 34, 35 formed in the latch ring 25. The yarn feed fingers 32, 33 are raised :and lowered in the usual manner laccording to a predetermined pattern. Yarns generally designated at Y are directed to the respective `sets of yarn feed lingers 32, 33 from suitable sources, not shown, and through stationary guides 36, 37 to the yarn feed fingers 32, 33.

vThe usual main pattern drum is shown in Figure 4 and is indicated at 40. The improved yarn cutting and binding apparatus is carried by the carrier ring 25 and, thus, may be raised -to inoperative position with the carrier ring 25 when the operator so desires.

The present apparatus is supported on ythe rearward extension 26 of the carrier or latch ring 25 by a suitable bracket broadly designated lat 45, which bracket is shown as being of composite construction. Bracket 45 comprises a base 46 in which the lower end of a post 47 is secured. The upper end of post 47 has an Iarm 50 lacljustably secured thereon, as by a lset screw 49 (Figure 3). The arm extends forwardly and overlies the needle cylinder 20.

The upper portion of a stationary sleeve or tubular member 51 is xed in the forward portion of said arm 50 and a vertically reciprocal spindle or core 52 is mounted in the sleeve 51, the spindle 52 being shown in the form of a shaft. The spindle 52 has a pin or projection 53 extending radially therefrom which penetrates corresponding slots 54 (Figure 2) formed in the sleeve 51 :and the forward portion of the arm 50.

The pin 53 is engaged in a slot 55 in the forward' end of an operating lever 56. The operating lever 56 is pivoted, as at 57, on `a medial portion of the arm 50 of bracket 45. Corresponding ends of oppositely directed control cables 60, 61 :are connected to a rear portion of the control lever 56 by means of a pin or projection 62 on one side of the lever 56. This projection 62 is loosely penetrated by the control cables 6i), 61 and the upper end of the cable 60 has a collar 63 xed thereon while the lower end of the cable 61 has a collar 65 xed thereon. It will be noted that the collars 63, 65 engage respective upper `and lower surfaces of the pin 62.

The cables 61), -61 may be parts of Bowden wires and it will be noted that corresponding ends of the housings for the cables 60, 61 are xed to respective collars 66, 67 fixed to respective lower and upper portions of the post 47 of the composite bracket 45. As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ends of the cables 60, 61 remote from the lever 56 lare connected to respective follower assenti@ levers 71, 70, which levers are two of live involved in the operation of the present apparatus, the other three being indicated at 72, 73 and 74. The follower levers 70 are pivoted intermediate their ends, las lat 75, and corresponding reading ends thereof are urged into engagement with the periphery of the main pattern drum 40 or corresponding cams on the main pattern drum 40 by suitable springs 76. Cams corresponding to the levers 70 through 74 are respectively designated at 70a, 71a, 72u, 73a and 74a in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The purpose and function of these cams and the intervening connections to the improved apparatus will be later described.

Now, referring to Figures l1 and 12, in particular, it will be observed that the improved yarn cutting and binding apparatus comprises a lower vertically movable clamp body or binder body 80 which also serves as a movable cutter blade carrier and which is of generally circularly segmental construction. The clamp body 80 has a pair `of circularly spaced radially extending upward projections, teeth or binder elements 81, I82 which are 'adapted to, at times, seat in respective radially extending -grooves or recesses 83, 84 of an upper clamp body or binder body broadly designated at 85, the latter preferably being in the form of a disk. The disk or upper clamp body 85 has an upwardly extending tubular porp tion 86 thereon which loosely lits in a fixed or upper cutter blade carrier or anvil carrier broadly designated 'at 87, the latter being shown in the form of a collar in Figure l2.

The cutter blade carrier 87 has a blade extension or shaft 90 adjust-ably secured therein, as by a set screw 91 (Figure l2), from lwhich a fixed or upper cutter blade 92 depends. It will be noted lthat the blade 92 may be formed integral with the shaft 90 and is positioned to one side of the axis of the collar 87. The upper blade 92 is preferably mounted in the manner described in order to facilitate its adjustment relative to a vertically movable lower blade or cutter 93 carried by the lower or vertically movable clamp body 80.

It lwill be noted that the ylower blade 93 is fixed to the segmental clamp body 80, as by a screw 94 and its upper portion projects above the mean upper surface of the clamp body 80 and has a downwardly and outwardly cur-ving upper cutting edge 95 thereon. The upper clamp body 85 has an opening 96 therethrough, through which the two blades 92 and 93 loosely extend and the blade 92 is so adjusted about its own axis las lto extend at a slight angle relative to the vertical plane of the cutting edge 95 of the lower blade 93 so these t'wo blades,`

during operation of the cutting apparatus, function in the manner of scissors.

Referring to Figure 11, it will be observed that the shaft or core 52 has a reduced lower portion 52a thereon which extends beyond the lo/wer end of sleeve 51 and has the upper clamp body 85 and its upward extension 86 loosely mounted thereon. Also, the upper portion of the upper cutter carrier 87 is loosely mounted on the lower end of the sleeve 51, said sleeve being provided 'with van annular groove 97 therein adjacent its lower end for reception of a retaining pin 100 shown in the form of a shoulder screw carried by the upper portion of the blade carrier 87.

It is thus seen that the blade carrier 87 may turn on the extension 86 of the upper clamp body 85 and on the lower portion of the sleeve 51. However, such turning movement is limited due to `the fact that the two blades 92, 93 remain in engagement with each other at all times. The groove 97 is provided so as to facilitate the upper blade 92 being resiliently maintained in engagement with the outer surface of the vertically movable blade 93. To this end, the sleeve 51 has a collar 101 fixed thereon, by any suitable means such as a set screw 102. The set screw 102 also has one end of a tension spring 103 connected thereto which extends partially around the collar 101 and 4is connected to the upper surface of the fixed blade carrier 87, as at 104 (Figure l). Since the collar 101 is stationary, it is apparent that the tension spring 103 normally urges the flat surface of the upper blade 92 against the outer surface of the vertically movable lower blade 93. y

As will be observed in Figure l1, the lower end of 'the reduced portion 52a of shaft 52 has a further reduced relatively short portion 52b thereon on which the movable clamp body is mounted, the movable clamp body 80 being held against the shoulder at the juncture of the reduced portions 52a and 52b by a screw 105. The lower clamp body 80 may be mounted on the reduced portion 52b of the core or shaft 52 by any suitable means. However, for the sake of convenience in removing the clamp body 80 from the reduced portion 52b of shaft 52, said reduced portion 52b has a relatively small key or pin 106 projecting radially therefrom which lits in a key slot k (Figures l1 and 12) formed in the lower clamp body 80.

Now, it will be noted that the clamp body is opened between its hub and outer portion thereof to form a segmental circular or substantially semi-circular rim 107 and the clamping teeth or elements 81, 82 are formed integral with spoke-like plate portions 110, 111. Another spoke-like portion 113 is spaced from the spoke portion for supporting the blade 93. The rim 107 is preferably provided with tapered or inclined lower edge portions 114, 115 at opposite ends thereof. The spoke members 110, 111 and 113 form openings therebetween for receiving therein spaced yarn guiding lingers or prongs 116, 117 preferably provided with curved outer faces which are spaced inwardly substantially from the outer periphery of the upper clamp body 85. The latter openings also permit lint and the like to fall free of the clamping bodies 80, 85.

A third yarn guiding linger 120 is also provided with an arcuate outer surface and is substantially circularly arranged with respect to the lingers 116 and 117. Finger 120 is positioned outwardly of the vertical plane of the blade 93. When the blades 92 and 93 and the clamping bodies I80 and 85 are assembled as shown in Figure 11, the two blades 92 and 93 are positioned between the yarn guiding fingers or projections 117 and 120 as best shown in Figure 13. Also, the lingers 116 and 117, along with the interengagement of the blades 92 and 93, prevent relative rotation between the clamping bodies 80 and 85.

With actuation of the clamping and cutting elements of the apparatus, the lower clamping body 80 is moved upwardly to move the teeth 81, 82 into the respective recesses 83, 84 to clamp any yarns extending therebetween and, after the yarns are clamped, the cutting blades 92 and 93 cut the same. Means are provided to insure that the yarns are tightly clamped before being cut and to also assist in returning the lower clamping body 80 to the inoperative position shown in Figure 11. To this end, the upper clamping body 85 is movable upwardly under yieldable pressure, which is imparted thereto by a compression spring 122 encircling the reduced portion 52a of shaft 52. The upper end of spring 122 engages the shoulder at the juncture of the reduced portion 52a with the main portion of the shaft 52, and the lower end of the compression spring bears against the upper edge of the reduced extension 86 of the upper clamping body 85. As the upper clamping body is raised by the lower clamping body this moves the cutting edge 95 of blade 93 past the lower edge of blade 92, to cut the yarns.

Downward movement of the upper clamping body 85 is limited so that the same is in proper spaced relation to the bottom clamping body 80 when the bottom clamping body 80 is in the inoperative position shown in Figure 11. To this end, the upper clamping body 85 is provided with an arcuate stepped slot 123 through which a shoulder screw 124 extends, the upper end of the shoulder screw being threaded into a threaded hole 125 (Figure 12) in,4

-screw 124 limits downward movement of the upper clamping body 85 relative to the upper blade carn'er 87, as well as. relative to. the sleeve 51.

' Now, in order to assist in gathering the yarns preparatory tov the clamping and cutting operations, and to also assist. in guiding the yarns into position between the upper and lower clamping bodies 85 and 80, the clamping bodies 8.0 and 85,. the upper blade carrier 87 and the as.- sociated elements at the lower portions of the sleeve 51 and shaft 52,v are enclosed in an inverted cup-like housing or shield` 126 provided with a cavity or chamber 127 in its lower end which is. suiciently large to permit free relative movement between the. shield 126 and the elements disposed within the chamber 127 The shield 126 may be of the same external diameter substantially throughout its length. However, in order to minimize the weight and size thereof, the shield 126 comprises an upper body 130 which is provided with a flange 131 on its lower portion. The ange 131 is preferably provided with an. upwardly and outwardly curving or arcuate peripheral surface 132 thereon so as to insure smooth uninterrupted movement of the yarns in engagement therewith. The shield 126 is moved upwardly and downwardly during the operation of the apparatus and, to this end, the upper portion of the body 130 of the shield 126 has a radially extending key or pin 134 therein which extends through a key slot 135 formed in and extending through thev wall of the main sleeve 51. Also, the shaft 52 is provided with a groove or key slot 136 therein which coincides with. the key slot 135 but extends from adjacent the juncture of the reduced portion 52a with the body of the shaft 52 all the way to the upper end of the shaft 52. A plunger or bar 1'37 is mounted for vertical sliding movement in the groove 136. It will be noted that the inner end of the key or pin 134v is positioned. in the lower end portion of the plunger 137.

The upper end of the plunger 137 has an outwardly projecting or rearwardly projecting portion 140 thereon through which an abutment 141 extends, said abutment being shown in the form of =a screw in Figure 11. In this instance,'the screw 141 is used to secure a spring anchor 1.42 to the upper end of the plunger 137, to which anchor the upper end of a tension spring 143 is connected (Figures l and 2). The lower end of the spring 143 is. connected to a forward portion of the control lever 56 heretofore described. Thus, the spring 143 urges the; plunger 137 and shield 126 downwardly while urging the forward end of lever 55' and the main shaft 52 upwardly.

The lifting and lowering of the plunger 137 and shield 126 is effected by means of a control lever 145 whose forward portion bears against the screw or abutment 141 and whose rear portion has one end of a flexible control cable 146 connected thereto. The lever 145 is pivotally supported intermediate its ends, as at 147, on a medial portion of the composite bracket 45. The housing for the cable 146, which cable is also shown in the form of a Bowden wire, is suitably attached to the composite bracket 45, as. at 150 (Figure 3). It will be observed in Figure 4 that the end of the cable 146 remote from the control lever 145 is connected to the follower lever 72.

The yarn gathering means of the present invention is in theform of a circularly movable gathering hook or element 155 whose hooked lower end is positioned in closey proximity to the flange 131 on the lower end of the shield' 126. It will be noted in Figures 1, 2, 13 andv 14 that the hooked lower end' of the gathering element. 15.5 is so positioned as toengage. and pass beneath the yarns extending from the yarn. feed fingers to the fabric F being knit so-that, as the. gathering element is moved inv a circular path, in a manner to be later described, it engages. and gathers together all the yarns extending from all the inactive yarn feed fingers to thus direct them to the clamping and cutting devices.

It will be noted that the shield 126 applies downward pressure to the yarns extending from the yarnl feed fingers4 32 and 33 when Vthe shield 126 is in lowered position. Thus, when the shield 126 is raised, these yarns spring upwardly so as to be engaged by the gathering lhook 155. The gathering hook 155 is preferably in the form of a. rod bent to the desired shape whose upper end is fixed to a projection 157 on a hub member 160. The projection 157 may be formed integral with or may be suitablyI secured to the hub member 160, as by a screw 161.

The hub member 160v is suitably secured to or formed integral with Ia pinion for gear 162 which, in this instance, is provided with an enlarged washer-like flange 163 on its upper end. The hub 160, pinion 162 and ange 163 are all freely and unitarily rotatable on the sleeve 51. The ange 163. on pinion 162 could be omitted, but is provided as a suitable means for maintaining the pinion 162 in proper position on. the sleeve 51. However, it is Aapparent that other means may be provided for preventing downward movement of the hub 160 and the pinion 162. The manner in which the flange 163 retains the hub 160 and pinion 162 in proper position will be presently described.

"[lhe pinion or -gear 162 is engaged by outwardly projecting teeth 164 of a segmental gear 166 which segmental gear 166 is shown in the form of a quadrant in Figure 3. The hub o f gear 166 is journaled, as by a shoulder screw 167, on one side of the forward portion of the arm 50 of the composite bracket 45. The gear 166 is normally urged in a clockwise direction in Figure 3 by means of a tension spring 170, one end of which is connected to the gear 166 and the other end of which is connected to the head of the shoulder screw 167, it being noted that the tension spring 170 partially encircles the head of the screw 167. Of course, other means may be p-rovided for urging the gear 166 rearwardly or in a clockwise direction, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

As a matter of fact, the gear 164 and pinion 162 are merely exemplary of various means which may be provided for imparting rotation to the gathering hook 155. For example, it is contemplated that a cable may be attached to and wound around the hub 160 with means being provided to urge the hub 160 in one direction whereby the hub can be moved in the other direction by said cable wrapped therearound.

Since the teeth 164 of -gear 166 remain in engagement with the pinion 162 at all times, it is apparent that the teeth 164 underlie the flange 163 on gear or pinion 162, thus supporting the gear 162 and hub 160. It will be observed in the upper portion of Figure 3 that the quadrant or gear 166 has a pair of adjustable stop members 171, 172 secured thereto which are substantially L-shaped in that their free ends are bent or turned inwardly. The stop member 172 engages a projection 173 carried by the upwardly projecting medial portion of the arm 50 (Figures 3 and 5). The projection 173 limits clockwise movement of the gear 166.

On the other hand, the stop member 171 engages the lower front depending portion of the arm 50 of bracket 45 to limit counter-clockwise movement of the gear 166 in Figure 3 or clockwise movement thereof in Figures 2 and 11. The gear 166 is shown in the two extreme positions in Figures 2 and 3.

In order to rock the quadrant 166 to and fro in proper sequence, the quadrant has an extension 175 thereon to which tone end of a flexible cable 176 is connected, as at 177. The cable 176 may also be in the form of a Bowden wire and the housing thereofv is connected tothe projection 173. The end of the cable 176 remote from the quadrant 166 is connected to the pattern lever 74 (Figure 4).

Although it may not be absolutely necessary in knitting all types of fabrics, the operation of the present apparatus is more eicient by providing means for pressing the fabric F against the sinkers so as to insure that the fabric is not pulled upwardly extensively whenever the cup-like shield 126 is moved from lowered to elevated position as shown in respective Figures 1 and 2. To this end, a fabric hold-down roller 180 is positioned immediately above the path of travel of the sinkers, but in suciently spaced relationship thereto to insure that it does not encumber the shedding of the stitches by the needles. The hold-down roller 180 is preferably freely rotatable on the free end of a bracket 181 which extends from within the confines of the latch ring 25 and then upwardly and rearwardly and is suitably secured to the base 46 of the composite bracket 45. The lower portion of the bracket 181 is so formed as to provide room between the lower portion of the bracket 181 and the inner surface of the latch ring for passage of the upper end of the needles therebetween.

Since the present apparatus operates to cut and bind the yarns used in knitting the top, the upper ring courses and the patterned leg of a stocking, as will be described hereinafter, the present apparatus then holds the yarns used in the latter areas in position above the needles and sinkers until the knitting of a new stocking is commenced. Accordingly, a suitable auxiliary clamping and cutting apparatus of conventional or other construction, such as is generally designated at 185 in Figure 5, may be used for severing the yarn used in the heel, foot and toe of the stocking. Since there are many different types of clamping and cutting devices which may serve this purpose, a detailed illustration and explanation thereof are deemed unnecessary, it being deemed sucient to state that the auxiliary clamp and cutter mechanism 185 overlies the latch ring or carrier ring 25 and is operated by a cable 186. The cable 186 is also in the form of a Bowden wire and its housing is connected to the outer end of a support `187, which support also supports the auxiliary clamping and cutting mechanism 185. The end of the cable 186 remote from the auxiliary clamping and cutting device 185 is connected to the pattern lever or follower lever 73 (Figure 4). A clamp and cutter mechanism of substantially the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. Re. 19,995, dated .Tune 2, 1936 may Vserve the purpose of the auxiliary clamp and cutter mechanism 185.

The machine may also be equipped with the usual elastic or rubber yarn feed linger 190 (Figures 5 and 13) through which an elastic yarn E is fed to needles in the usual manner of knitting the elastic top of a stocking. This is merely described to point up the fact that the elastic yarn may also be clamped and cut at the same time as the pattern yarns employed in the reciprocatorily knit patterned areas. Since the elastic yarn feed finger 190 may be controlled and operated in a conventional manner, a further description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

Method of operation As the knitting of an article or stocking commences, the various parts of the apparatus occupy substantially the positions shown in Figures l and 2. The cams on the main pattern drum 40 are shown in Figures 6 through l0 in the relative positions occupied thereby substantially at the beginning of a knitting cycle.

From the relative position of cams 70a and 71a in Figures 6 and 7, it is apparent that the vertically movable clamping body 80 is moved upwardly to operative position relative to the upper clamping body 85 at some time during the knitting of each successive stocking and remains in this position until the completion of the stocking. Although the cam 71a moves out of engagement with the cam follower lever 71, the springs 143 (Figure 2) and 122 (Figure ll) and the frictional interengagement of the shaft 52 and sleeve 51 substantially balance the weight of the shaft 52 and the bottom clamping body 80. It follows, therefore, that the bottom clamping member will remain in clamping position until it is moved downwardly by engagement of the follower lever 70 with the high surface of cam 70a (Figures 4 and 6). This also enables manual relative opening and closing of the clamping bodies 80, 85.

Thus, as knitting commences on each successive article, yarn feed fingers 32 are moved into position for knitting the top and ring courses of the stocking while the parts occupy the position shown in Figures l and 3. In so doing, all the yarns, except those clamped by the mechanism 185 (Figure 5) are retained by the clamping members or bodies 80, and extend beneath the flange 132 and upwardly within the chamber or cavity 127 of the shield 126. Thus, as any yarn feed fingers 32 or 33 move into operative position and needles take the yarn from these active fingers, the yarn then extends from the shield 132 to the needles and then upwardly to the corresponding active yarn feed ngers.

As knitting proceeds, it is apparent that the portions of the yarns at those points at which they are initially knit, are drawn downwardly into the needle cylinder with the fabric F. This is apparent in Figure 14, wherein it may be seen that yarn ends extend from lower clamp body 80 and from certain yarn feed lingers to various medial portions ofthe body of fabric F.

The low portion of the cam 72a engages follower lever 72 (Figures 4 and 8) at substantially the time that reciprocatory knitting of the patterned leg of the stocking commences so as to raise the shield 126 to an intermediate position (Figure 14) and to where its lower surface is disposed on substantially the same level as, or slightly below the level of, the upper surface of the rim 107 of the bottom binder or clamping body 80. This is desirable due to the fact that the usual yarn tension and takeup devices of machines of the character described must draw excess yarn back through the active yarn feed lingers in the course of reciprocatory knitting as the points at which the corresponding yarns are attached to the fabric approach the respective yarn feed fingers. This permits freedom of movement of the yarns so the usual take-up devices are not encumbered in their operation.

Also, as knitting with the pattern yarns commences, each successive pattern yarn taken from lingers 33 at the auxiliary feeding station 31 is always introduced while the needle cylinder is moving in a clockwise direction in Figure 5 and the previous operation of the gathering and binding means is such that portions of yarn are wrapped around the yarn guiding lingers or projections 116, 117 and 120 and partially around the shaft 52. Thus, as yarn from the auxiliary station 31 is initially fed to the needles, it rides upon the portion of the rim shown in the upper portion of the clamp body 80 in Figures 12, and in the left-hand portion of the body 80 in Figure 13, and then falls off the rim and passes beneath the bottom clamp body 80 under the influence of the inclined edge portions 114 and 115.

This permits the latter yarns to hang relatively loosely from the clamping devices and between the rim 107 and the hub of the lower body 80, so that reciprocation of the needle cylinder does not exert too great a stress on the particular portions of yarn which extend from the fabric to the clamping bodies 80 and 85. It will be noted that the teeth or clamping elements 81 and 82 are preferably disposed at the front of the apparatus and the blade 93 is adjacent the main feeding station 30. However, the position of the clamping bodies 80, 81 may be reversed with respect to the hold-down roller 180, if desired. In this event, the position of the gathering element should also be reversed. The action of the gathering element 155 will be later described.

Now,. as heretofore stated, the shield 126- isl raised to.- aniintermediate positionwhile the clamping bodies- 80f-and 85 rem-ain in. relative clampingposition, -although the cam 70a has not, as yet-,. engaged the readingA endv of.- the follower lever 70. At substantially the time that the. machine -starts reciprocatory knittingV of the patterned legj of; a stocking, the low surface-of cam 70a engages follower lever. 70 to.v insure .that the clamping bodies 80,- 811- arei lowered, asa unit, relative tothe hood- 126. and the upper blade carrier 87 (see Figure ll); Thispositions the clamping bodies, with the yarns. clamped therebetween, close tothe: bottom ofl the-shield 126 sothat,. ask each successive yarn Y is-l introduced toneedles 2LV from the auxiliary station 31,y it is relatively free to: slide uponthe rim 107.

Following the introduction of. the final yarn: of. a patternedl area tothe needles,V although reciprocatory knitting may continue forv some-.length of timethereafter, the high Surface of'cam170a moves into engagement with .the reading end -of-the follower lever 7 0 to thus.v lowerv theA bottom clampingV body or binder body 80"awayfrom theupper-clampiug body 85 sufficiently to'release all-the yarns therefrom, substantially-as shown. in Figure 11. It is apparent that engagement. ofi thefollower. lever 701by thecam 70a imparts upward movement to the control lever 56 to move the sametoward the position shown in Figure 2 and to thus impart downward movement tothe shaft-52and the lower or bottom binder body 80.

ltv is thus seen that, although the yarns employed in knitting the patterned area are en-tangled tov some extent the extent of suchentanglement is onlythe. extent effected by from substantially one-half to approximately/ one revolution of the cylinder 20. Thus, when thefabrie is .later removed from' the machine, it is a simple matter for a. person to thrust his hand through the stocking without exerting undue stresses on the yarns or without breaking any of the yarn ends which are then within'the stock-V ing and, thus, the stocking can be readily everted.

Itwill beV noted that the yarns employed in the recip.-

rocatory knitting of 4the patterned-leg or portion ofthev fabric F have now been released. However, at least some of the yarn feed lingers 32 and/ or 3-3 are still feeding-.yarn to certain needles and continue to do so-until the. knitting of .the patterned area is completed.. Immediately upon the completion of knitting the patterned area or, if desired, upon knitting. a few circular'courses following the knitting ofthe patterned area orthe heel pocket of a stocking, all of the yarn feed fingers- 32, 33 (withthe exception of one lingerV 32-which may be feeding a. body yarn to needles for knitting the foot) willhave been raised to inactive position.

It should vbe borne in mind that: the` yarns then extendfrom theinactive: yarn feed fingers 32, 3-3 to various pointsin--the body. of the fabric, and the movement ofthe cylinder 20.,causes the yarns` to cross.- each otherat the center of the needle cylinder 20. Thisv causes the yarn to extendfrom the. raised or inactive yarn feed. fingers-closely adjacent oragainst the lower surface of the shield 126, although the shield 126- is -then in partiallyelevatedv position. Thereafter, the housing orshield.'- 126 is raised a relatively small amount further thansaid.- intermediate position so .as to insure that the proximal faces of -thetwo clamping bod-ies 80 and. SSt-wilzli not.v

be encumbered thereby, this being caused by the raised? portion of the cam "72a4 engaging-the followenlever '72t-y While the. housing or shield 12o-is in the-.fully raised.` position, the. cam 74a (Figure 10) engages, followerlever 74 to. pull the-cable 176v downwardly in Figuresl 2 3 and -.-4. thus -impartingta counterclockwise movement tol-- thequadrant or gear 166 in- Figure 3. tomove-thesarrreto substantially the. position shown iniFigures-fZ' and', 11.-, (Notice the.. relative positionsofxthe reading-,ends -oft the-t followerlevers 72and74Fsigurest4f 8 and 10.-).Y Asrl heretofore` stated,v theA movement of `the-@gear on quadranti 166 rotates the gatheringhooklzsubstantially-one@and;

1 clamped` one-fourth revolutions about the ange 131 of' the shield' 126. In so doing,` the hooked lower end ofthe gather-S ing element 155 passes in a plane between the raisedyarnfeed lingers 3-2 and 33-and the clamping bodies4 80 and A so as to cause all the yarns to be carried into' the space between the two clampingy bodies and wrapped around the yarnl guiding fingers 116, 117 and 120 and the portion 52a of shaft 52` (Figure 13).

As the hook 155-movescounterclockwise in `an active` stroke, the portions of yarn between the hook 155 and the fab-ric F are deflected downwardly beneath `the rim' 107 due to ltheir engagement with the beveledends 114` and thereof. Thev upward inclination of the yarn portions between the` hook l and the feed` fingers 3-2,l 33 cause the latter portions to pass'- abovefthe rim 107@ If so desired, the free left-hand endy of rim 107 ini Figure 13 may curve inwardly in acute relation to the radius of the main portion of the rim 107, and such free end may be connected to the hub of body 80.` TheV inclined lower edge 114 would still be required to insure separation Vof -the yarn portions as just described.

It will be` noted in Figure l2 that the finger 120 has' a curved lower edge and fits against the outer surface ofi the hub of the lower body 30, so as to force the yarns from the main feeding-station 30 (Figure 13) downwardly against the hub of the lower clamp lbody 80; At substantially the same time that the active stroke ofthe gathering hook 155 is-com-pleted or immediately thereafter, the cam 72a (Figures 4 and 8) moves out of engagement with the reading end of the follower lever 72` to permit spring 14S-to lower the shield 126. However,` it; should be noted-thatthe yarns'are gathered into and between the clamping members or* bodies 80 and 85` by the gathering hook 155 while the shield 126 occupies-1 uppermost position.-

Asthe shield 126-is lowered from said uppermost' position, the high surface of cam 74a (Figure 10) remains in' engagement with' the follower lever 74. In other words, the gathering hook 15'5 remains' stationary while the shield 126 is -being lowered. Duey to theY position of the reading end of the follower lever 74, when the inclinedtrailing edge-of cam 74a coincides with the outer edge of the follower lever 74, the follower lever 74 moves downwardly with a relatively quick action' so the gathering hook 155 is returned to its original position, in a clockwise direction in Figure 13, relatively rapidly.

Since the shield 126- is then in lowered position, it l maintains the yarns below the level of the lower end of the hook 155 duringits return movement. Immediately before, or substantially the same time as, the high surface of the caml 74a moves out of engagement with the follower lever 74,- the leading edge of cam 71a (FiguresV 4 andV 7) engages the reading end of the follower lever 71- to thereby raisethe bottom clamping or binding.'A body- 80 inl clamping relation to the upper` clamping or ing body 85, and while imparting slight upward movement tothe upper clamping, body- 85, the-l yarns are Wittrfurther. upward movement of both clamping: bodies 80, 85; the' blades 92`and 93fcooperate inf the manner of scissorsftocut; the-yarns.

lt-will beI observedtinrFig'ure 13 that the yarns aref= wrapped-sor wound about the lingers 116g; 11-7 and- 12W? in'.-suchramanner-thatthe.clamping elements-81 and 827 assenze are disposed between the cutter elements or blades 92 and 93 and the yarn feed fingers 32 and 33. Thus, the cut ends of the yarn extending from the knitted fabric, and shown in dotted lines in Figure 13, are released upon being cut and fall between the rim 107 and the hub of the lower clamping body 80 while the portions of the yarn extending from the yarn feed fingers are retained by the clamping elements 81 and 82. This also permits the use of a single scissors-like cutter withfa plurality of spaced independent yarn feed stations. If the hook 155 does not start active movement at a time when the yarns Y are crossed at the center of the cylinder 20, the hook 155 may be bent outwardly somewhat so as to pass beneath the free ends of the yarn feeding fingers 32 and 33.

It is thus seen that all the yarns employed in knitting the portions of the article or stocking preceding and up to the completion of the reciprocatorily knit patterned areas are cleanly severed without being excessively twisted together so that, as the article is subsequently removed from the machine, ones hand may be easily thrust through the stocking for everting the same without placing undue stress on any of the stitches from which the yarn ends within the stocking extend and, also, greatly facilitating the rapidity with which each stocking may be everted. Of course, as heretofore stated, it is not detrimental to the fabric to effect operation of the clamping and cutting apparatus at some time following the reciprocatory knitting of the patterned areas such as during the forming of ring courses preceding or subsequent to the heel, provided that only a few such courses are knit.

It will also be noted that the possibility of any pattern yarns or the elastic yarn being left intact is eliminated. Thus, manual clipping of the yarns during knitting is eliminated, down time is reduced and yarn wastage 'is minimized, so that the knitting machine need not be under constant attention by the operator.

The operation of the apparatus as thus far described, places the apparatus in the condition which it occupies at the time of commencing the knitting of a succeeding article, since the clamping elements remain in clamping engagement with the yarns extending from the yarn feed lingers throughout the subsequent knitting of the heel, foot and toe of the corresponding stocking or throughout the subsequent knitting of the foot and toe of the stocking, as the case may be. However, it will be noted that the cam 71a (Figure 7) may move out of engagement with the reading end of the follower lever 71 during the course of the knitting of the foot and toe of the stocking so that the upward pressure imparted to the upper clamping body 85 by the lower clamping body is released. Due to the fact that the spring 122 and the tension spring 143 tend to balance the action of the shaft 52 to some extent, the clamping elements 81 and 82 remain in sufficiently tight engagement with the respective recesses 83 and 84 to still clamp the yarns, although the cutting blades 92 and 93 may occupy open position.

It will be noted that cam 73a (Figure 9) is positioned in such relation to the remaining cams, heretofore described on the main pattern drum 40, that it engages the reading end of the follower lever 73 at some time after the operation of the various elements of the present apparatus as heretofore described. In so doing, it actuates the auxiliary clamping and cutting mechanism 185`which functions to cut the yarn employed in the heel, foot and toe of the stocking, as is conventional. This clears the needles of all yarn to complete a cycle in operation of the machine. l

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specic terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes `14 of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined iii the claims.

I claim:

l. In a circular knitting machine provided with a needle cylinder, independent needles, sinkers and yarn feeding means, apparatus for clamping and cutting the yarns extending from the feeding means to the fabric being knit'comprising lower and upper clamping bodies disposed within the needle circle and normally occupying closed position, means operable automatically upon a plurality of yarns being fed to the needles and being knitted thereby to open said clamping bodies and release the yarns therefrom, a yarn gathering element movable in a substantially circular path about and spaced from said clamping bodies, means operable after said clamping bodies are opened for actuating said gathering element whereby the gathering element engages the yarns extending from the yarn feeding means to the fabric and leads the yarns between said clamping bodies, means operable thereafter to return said bodies to closed position for clamping the yarn therebetween, and means operable automatically upon said yarns being clamped therebetween for severing the latter yarns at a point between the point at which they are clamped and the fabric.

2. A structure according to claim l including a freely rotatable member spaced closely above the sinkers and inwardly of the needles for holding the fabric toward the sinkers during actuation of the gathering element.

3. A structure according to claim 1 including a hollow shield having its lower portion at least partially encircling and enclosing at least the upper clamping body, and said shield having on its lower end an arcuate outwardly and upwardly curved peripheral surface to assist in guiding the yarns between the clamping bodies as they are gathered by the gathering element.

4. In a circular knitting machine having a plurality of yarn feeding stations each for feeding a plurality of yarns and a circle of needles; the combination of a cutting and binding apparatus comprising upper and lower substantially coaxial clamping elements normally clamping yarns extending from the feeding stations therebetween and being positioned in substantially coaxial relation to and adjacent the upper ends of needles in said needle circle, cutting means carried by at least one of said clamping elements, pattern controlled means for imparting relatively opposite movement to said clamping elements for spacing the same from each other for releasing said yarns therefrom, means operable thereafter for engaging and moving medial portions of said yarns in a generally circular manner to lead the same into the space between said clamping elements, means operable thereafter for imparting movement to at least one of said clamping elements to move the same toward the other of the clamping elements for clamping the yarns therebetween, and said cutting means being so positioned as to sever the latter yarns at a point between that point at which they are clamped and the fabric being knit.

5. In a circular knitting machine having a plurality of yarn feeding stations each for feeding a plurality of yarns, and a circle of needles; the combination of a cutting and binding apparatus comprising upper and lower substantially coaxial clamping bodies normally clamping yarns extending from the feeding stations therebetween and being positioned in substantially coaxial relation to and adjacent the upper ends of the needles in said needle circle, a cutting blade carried by and projecting upwardly from the lower clamping body, pattern controlled means for imparting relatively opposite movement to said clamping bodies for spacing the same from each other for releasing said yarns therefrom, means operable thereafter for engaging and moving medial portions of said yarns in a generally circular manner to lead the same into the space between said clamping bodies and over said blade, a stationary cutter element carrier positioned above the upper' Body, a cutter' elementi projecting downwardly from' the carrier and loosely penetrating the upper body, means operable after the yarns have been moved into said space for imparti-ng' movement to the lower clamping body to move the same toward the upper clamping body for clamping the yarns therebetween, said cutting blade being movable against'said cutter element with upward movement of said' lower body, and said cutting blade bei-ngso positioned'as to sever the latter yarns at a point between tha-tY point at which they are clamped and the fabric.

6. In combination with a" circular independent needle knitting machineV having a needle cylinder and at least one yarn feeding" station-yarn' binding and cutting ap'-V paratus comprising ari-upper clamping body and a lower' clamping'body disposed irl-substantially coaxial relationship anddisposed axially within-the vertical plane of the needle circle, a cutting elementV carrier spaced above the' upper clamping body, means yieldably urging the upper body downward, means' limiting downward move-V the carrier and the lower body, respectively, said upperbody having an-opening therein coinciding with the upper and lower cutting elements and through which the latter elements may loosely extend, the extent of upward movement of the lower body. beingV such as to cause the clamping, element to'engage and imparti upward movement to the upper body whereby said cutting elements are brought into cooperative relationship and whereby yarns are'- clamped between the clamping element' andthe upper bodyl and are then severed by the cutting elements.

7. A structure according to claim 6 in which said lower-'clamping body comprises a hub, spokes on-the'hubf,

a substantially segmentally-circular rim on" the spokes-,f-

and said upper body having substantially' circnlarly spaced ngers' on'its lower surface-'which extend into the! spaces between adjacent spokes for positioning yan-ns1',-v which engage the same, in the path ofthe cutting ele;- ments.

8; A-structure accordingito'claim 6- in whichthe upper' body is provided with a recess fort receiving the? clampingelement therein'when the lower-'clamping-body'is raised.-

9; A- structure' according `to fclairn 6 inwhieh sai'dlower cuttingelement is in the form' of' a blade havinga" curved-upper cutt-ing'edgethereon, said upper cutting elementi having a-at surfaceon at least one side thereof engageable with onel sideV of said blade', and means resilient-ly urging said'upp'er' cuttingrel'e'ment toward said one side ofthe blade.

l0. A` structure accordin'grto claim6 'in' which a-gathering means is provided Vfor engaging the-fyarns' extending between the yarn feeding station and the fabric being knit, and means automatically operable at" intervalsin which the clamping element' ist spaced bel'ow the'- upper body; for movingthe" gathering velementv in'a substantial-ly circular path'to. thereby move th'e yarns into the spacef cling at least the upper body, and said gatheringm'eans' being movable closely adjacent said peripheraledgeio-f thek shield whereby the' shield` assists in directing the' yarns' between the clampingbod'i'es.

l`2.-A structure according-to claim ll including pattern-controlled means-forE lowering the shield" to where its lowerl end-atleast partially encl'osesk the lower body while tlie upper andflower bodies occupy clamping position, and said last-mentioned means being operable to raise the shield to where its lower end is at least' above the plane of the upper surface of the' lower clamping ele-` nient whilethe lower clamping body occupies lowered' position;

13; In a circular knitting machine having a needlecylinder,-independent needles carriedby the cylinder', and atleast two substantially opposed yarn feeding stations;

yarn binding and cutting apparatus' comprising a support having aA stationary portion spaced axially above said cylinder', a tubular shaftxed inand depending from saidE portionr of the support, a core shaft guided for axial movement in said tubular shaft and having a" reduced lower portion within and extending beyond the lower end ofthe tubular shaft, a lower body ixed on the lower end of they reduced portion of the core shaft, an upper body above the lowerbody and having a reduced portionthereon-loosely penetrated by the reducedportion of the' core shaft,--a cutter element carrier on thelower end of the; tubular' shaft and being above the upper body, re'- silient means-urging the upper body downwardly relative to" the carrier, meansV limiting downward movement of the-upper body relativeto the carrier, a cutter element;Y

oir4 said carrier, rst pattern controlledl means forlowering'and raisingthe core shaft whereby yarns extending front the stations tothe fabric may be positioned between the' bodies while the lower body i's lowered and are clampedwhen'- th'elower body is raised with movementof-thefcore shaft, the extent ofupward movement of saideore shaft being such as tocause-the' lowerbody to en'-l gage and move the upper body upwardly against itsl re'-l silie'nt'mean's, andmeanson the lower body Cooperating withthe cutter element for cutting the' yar-'ns as said up'-v perf body is: raised'by the lower? body.

14a Inf a circular knitting machine having a needle-v cylinderpindependent needles carried bythe cylinder, a

frame and atfleasttwo substantially'oppos'e'd yarn feeding"- lower portion forming a shoulder onthe core shaft'withinA the tubular' shaft, aV lower body xed on the lower end ofthe reduced portionof the core shaft, an upper body' abov'e thelower body and having a reduced portion thereon looselyv penetrated'bytheY reduced portion ofthe core shaft, a cutter element' carrier on the lower end of the tubular shaftland being above the upper body and having acutter element thereon, resilient means urging the upper body downwardly relative to the carrier, means limiting downward movement of the upper body relative to thecarrier, a yarnv gathering element movable in a substantially circular path about said bodies, first pattern controlled! means for lowering and raising the core shaft whereby yarns extending from the stations to the fabric may be positioned between the bodies while the lower body is lowered and are clamped when the lower body is raised with movement of the core shaft, second pattern controlledmeans for imparting movement'to said gathering element while the lower'body is' in loweredposition,

the extent of upward-movement of said core shaft being` suchas-to cause the lower body to engage andmove the upperbody upwardly against its resilient means, and meansonthe lower` body cooperating with thev cutter element for cutting-the yarn as said upper body is raised by the -lowerbody l5. A structure according to claim 14 in which saidV gathering element is in the form of'a-hook having an-upwardly extending portion thereon, means supporting the latter portion for rotation on the tubular shaft and above the carrier, said second pattern controlled means including a gear journaledon said tubular shaft and connected with the last-mentioned supporting means, a second gear means meshing with the first-mentioned gear, and means to reciprocate the second gear means in timed relation to movement of said core shaft.

16. A structure according to claim 14 including an inverted cup-like shield having an outwardly and upwardly curving peripheral surface on its lower end and encircling at least the upper body, and said gathering element being movable closely adjacent said peripheral edge of the shield whereby the shield assists in directing the yarns between the clamping bodies.

17. A structure according to claim 16 having a third pattern controlled means Ifor moving the `shield between raised and lowered positions in which the lower end of the shield is below the lower body at an interval between successive intervals in which the lower body occupies lowered position, and in which the lower end of the shield is, at least, above the level of the lower body during the gathering of the yarns into the clamping bodies.

18. A method of cutting and binding a plurality of yarns in a yarn cutter and binder on a circular, independent needle, knitting machine provided with a plurality of yarn feeding stations and wherein said yarns knit patterned fabric on the needles of a reciprocating needle bearing cylinder which comprises the steps of opening said cutter and binder to release the ends of previously knit yarns therefrom during an uninterrupted cycle of reciprocatory knitting, completing the introduction and withdrawal of yarns involved in said cycle by the stations, then guiding the portions of yarns extending from the feeding stations to the fabric into the open cutter and binder by engaging and swinging the latter portions of yarns around and between elements of the cutter and binder, then closing said cutter and binder to bind the portions of yarn extending from the yarn feeding stations and separate the same from the portions of yarn extending to the knitted fabric.

19. A method of cutting and binding yarns in a yarn cutter and binder on a circular, independent needle, knitting machine equipped with a plurality of circularly spaced independent yarn feeding stations, which includes the steps of opening elements of said cutter and binder to release the ends of previously knit yarns therefrom, feeding yarns to needles from at least two of said stations, successively engaging medial portions of the yarns extending from the latter stations to the knitted fabric and moving the latter yarns in a generally circular manner about an obstruction between the elements of the cutter and binder whereby all the latter yarns are gathered to extend from the cutter and binder in a generally common direction, then closing the elements of the cutter and binder to bind the portions of the latter yarns extending from the corresponding feeding stations and to separate the same from the portions of yarn extending to the knitted fabric whereby all the yarns extending from a plurality of spaced independent feeding stations may be cut by a single cutter.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

